Richmond, Virginia offers a host of dining options branching out through its many local neighborhoods.
As Richmond marks its place in history as the border between the south and the north, the best local restaurants are guided by "location, location, location", and then some. Locals define themselves by the areas of town they live in, which include: downtown/the fan; the east end, the west end, the north side and the south side. The best place to always start if you're stuck hungrily looking for a new spot is to ask a local. With one of the highest per capita distributions of dining establishments in the nation, new options are added every day.
Catering to the canal's opening to four centuries of history winding along the James River is the city's downtown area. Beginning at Belvidere Street which borders Virginia Commonwealth University, you can move down Broad Street, Franklin Street or Cary Street to start sampling. Richmonders love to go for brunch. Calling itself "the only place in Richmond to be," you'll definitely walk away from a memorable multimedia Sunday brunch experience at Godfrey's at 308 East Grace Street, near 3rd Street and Broad. For lunch, try lite fare at coffee house staple, Shockoe Espresso in the center at 104 Shockoe Slip which is also good for poetry readings every second and fourth Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Before or after the theater, consider first-class authentic Italian at nearby La Grotta; 1218 E. Cary Street or the delicious seafood dish at The Hard Shell; 1411 E. Cary Street.
Get further on down to Shockoe Bottom at 17th and Cary for Bottom's Up Pizza hosting a fabulous outside deck looking out on the city. Searching for cosmopolitan flair? Check out Café Gutenberg at all times every day of the week on the corner of 17th and Main at 1700 East Main. Chock full of events, the Café also sells books, serves European coffee classics and offers its own wine lounge.
Stop by historic church hill on your journey to the east end. Locals love The Hill Café at 2800 E. Broad Street. Ask for a daily blue plate special or authentic sailor's grog. Walk down the hill steps to Poe's Pub where you can also go for live music almost every night or the motorcycle brunch every second Sunday. End up across the street for Millie's Diner's eclectic offerings and local talent sightings"¦often disguised as restaurant employees.
Flying in for a short stay? The east end area near the airport hosts an extraordinary mix of Asian, Italian and Mexican offerings. Mexico Restaurant, with locations at either 5213 Williamsburg Road or 7162 Mechanicsville turnpike and several others in this popular Richmond chain offers huge portions of really good food and plenty of space for your family.
Hop back on the highway, and like many Richmonders, escape into the west end. Near Innsbrook professional park, you have the epitome of the elegant experience at the short pump mall. You'll find a well known favorite, "The Cheesecake Factory" and an incredible Arby's "fast food" which even has a wine list.
Travel further down Broad Street through the west end and be sure you stop at the original Thai Diner at 8059 W. Broad Street in the Westland shopping center. It's sister restaurant, "Thai Diner Too" brings you back to the eclectic fan area at 3028 W. Cary Street. Fanning out in the most hipster fashion, you'll find a great mix from Babe's serving standard bar fare to Farouk's House of India with its lunch buffet and Richmond's only French -Vietnamese restaurant, Indochine.
Take a left onto Boulevard at Cary Street and head out about 3 miles into the north side of town. Turn right onto W. Laburnum avenue for about a mile and turn left onto McArthur Boulevard. Nestled in the middle of this neighborhood of historic homes you'll discover "Dot's Back Inn", keeping alive a local favorite for over 50 years. You'll find plenty of good food, beer and friends for darts. In "Rosies lunch pail" at Dot's, you'll also find a stick-to-your-ribs lunch menu. Hear the bluegrass playing? Come across the street to Shenanigans.
At least once in every Richmond lifetime, you'll find yourself crossing the river. The south side is swimming in eating options. Meet the local lads and lassies for billiards and beer at the Fox & Hounds British pub at 10455 Midlothian Turnpike. "Providing Virginia hams since 1936", visit one of Padow's Deli's 5 Richmond locations at 9720 Midlothian Trunpike. In the gentile Richmond tradition no visit would be complete without a visit to a restored plantation, where you can feast on scrumptious Ruth's Chris Steakhouse specialties at 11500 W. Huguenot Road. Hungry in Richmond? Remember, honey, all you have to do is ask one of us locals.
